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Consideration of request from the Parks and Forestry Superintendent for authorization to enter into contract with AstroTurf Great Lakes for turf replacement, and approval of a Level Three Fund Transfer for repairs to the Hart Park Stadium field
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Submitted by:
Alex Krutsch - Parks and Forestry Superintendent
Department:
Public Works
A. Issue
Authorization is needed for staff to enter into a contract with AstroTurf Great Lakes for installation of synthetic turf at Hart Park stadium and a level three fund transfer of donated funds.
B. Background/Options
The flooding that occurred on August 9th-10th, 2025 damaged many of Hart Park’s facilities. One of the hardest hit areas was Hart Park Stadium. Damage to this facility included a complete loss of the synthetic turf field, damage to the field’s drainage system, and to the spectator bleachers.
On December 17th, 2025 the City issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for replacement of the synthetic turf field and repairs to a portion of the stone base. At the same time the City issued a second request for proposal for cleaning of the stadium’s storm sewer system. In response the City received 5 proposals to the RFP for turf field replacement and no proposals to the RFP for sewer cleaning.
Of the proposals received for field replacement AstroTurf had the second lowest base bid of $591,675.00 compared to the low base bid of $591,423.40 from Sprinturf LLC a difference of $252. However, AstroTurf’s unit price for stone ($80/cubic yard) and flat panel drains ($5/linear foot) are substantially lower than those of Sprinturf’s (stone $181.96/cubic yard and flat panel drains $204.12/linear foot). This is significant because pricing was based on estimated quantities of stone and flat panel drains as provided by the City’s consultant Graef Engineering. If actual quantities needed for repair exceed the estimated, even by a very minor amount, total project costs would escalate far quicker under Sprinturf’s unit pricing.
As part of the RFP process companies were encouraged to include alternate products or solutions that might be a better fit or offer added value to the City. Included in AstroTurf’s proposal was an alternate for their Rootzone 3d3 Blend turf. This product offers additional fiber density and different fiber types which enhance playability and durability. This product mitigates infill migration and “splash” creating a safer surface for athletes and has an extended warranty from the manufacturer of 10 years, compared to the standard 8-year warranty. While this product is an additional $15,364, staff believes it offers a good value considering the extended warranty and increased useful life of the field thereby extending replacement intervals, so I am recommending this alternate product be utilized.
C. Strategic Plan (Area of Focus)
Quality of Life
D. Fiscal Impact
Staff is recommending the use of funds donated to the City for flood recovery of Hart Park, as such staff does not anticipate fiscal impact to the City. In addition, the project was publicly bid through the RFP process so costs should remain eligible for reimbursement should Federal or State aid become available. In order to expend the donated funds a Level III Fund Transfer is needed in an amount not to exceed $690,000, which consists of the field turf replacement project with a 10% contingency and $18,500 for design, permitting, and construction management services with Graef.
E. Recommendation
Staff recommends approval of a contract with AstroTurf Great Lakes in the amount of $607,039.00 for the replacement of field turf at Hart Park Stadium and approval of a Level III fund transfer in amount not to exceed $690,000 from the flood recovery donation.